[sdiy] Freescale Soundbuite

Wed Jan 23 23:51:46 CET 2008

Barry,

I agree entirely. My own experience in this direction has been my  
involement with the development of the Modcan Quad Envelope module.  
This is basically a dsPIC microprocessor, coupled to a quad DAC for  
outputs, and with several knobs and CV/Gate inputs. Having built this  
module, both Bruce Duncan and I have been using the hardware for the  
development of other projects. It's been a real boon to have on the  
desk. I've had it configured as LFOs, various random generators,  
envelopes of various types, Oberheim-style tracking generators, etc etc.

A processor with ADC channels for inputs and DAC channels for outputs  
is an extremely versatile piece of hardware and, as long as the  
sample rates are high enough and the processor beefy enough, can be  
configured to be almost any synth hardware you like.

The Chameleon, Tonecore, and similar projects are all going in this  
direction.

Regards,
Tom

On 23 Jan 2008, at 22:34, Barry Klein wrote:

> What I find intriguing is that the ToneCore seems to have a common
> functional module that then plugs into a base.  We should do the  
> same thing
> and have a function module that plugs into a the rear of a front  
> panel base
> - a single module in a modular synth.  These boards will be surface  
> mount
> high density but if volumes can get up there they could be a good  
> value and
> of course multifunctional.  I'm just imagining how the modular  
> synth world
> might evolve if given common hardware platforms like your Chameleon  
> does for
> the desktop.  Seems nowadays more people have a software background  
> than
> hands-on hardware, so if given the hardware complete we should see  
> some cool
> modules.  Kind of like somewhere new inbetween hardware synths and
> softsynths eh?  Other such platforms could be say Cypress PSOC  
> based, others
>
> a variety of microcontrollers (for cheap controllers/LFO's/noise etc.)
>
> I think much more cool things will come if we have common "open"  
> hardware
> platforms for modules.  A cheap DSP dev kit may satisfy each of our
> curiosities but if we want to then share our cool widget in product  
> form (or
> even if fully documented and up for free) it gets to be a difficult  
> and
> expensive proposition to build.
>
>
> Barry
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> [mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of
> paul.maddox.mail-list at synth.net
> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:02 PM
> To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: RE: re: [sdiy] Freescale Soundbuite
>
> Barry,
>
>  FWIW, I beleive the ToneCore programmable module uses a lower spec  
> DSP.
> It also has less in the way of IO.
>
>  That said, it's aimed at a different market to be honest. Have a  
> look at
> the Line6 namm announcement -
> http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM08/Content/Line6/PR/ToneCore- 
> Developer-
> Kit.html
>
>  What you're talking about sounds a lot like a Chameleon
> (www.Chameleon.synth.net). I'd like to build an updated version,  
> using a
> newer coldfire, a beefier DSP (possibly soundbite based), better panel
> and most likely Linux as the host OS on the coldfire. I also want  
> to make
> it as open as I can. By doing so people could build their own  
> panels for
> their own pet projects.
>
>  I've not yet played with the symphony stuff I'm afraid, but I expect
> you'll  find examples for the soundbite on the freescale site.
>
>  I shall be starting a website soon, with my progress on building  
> such a
> box, and also links to usefull bits of code, hardware and software.
>
>  I'll post a link to it once I've made a start (hopefully this  
> weekend).
>
> Paul
>
>
>> I wonder if the Line6 Tonecore would be better money spent?   
>> Thoughts?
>> Seem to be same time frame for release.  $199.
>> Take a look at their effects concept where the effect module plugs  
>> into a
>> base:  http://line6.com/tonecore/modules.html
>> We should be able to come up with a similar approach for a panel- 
>> based
>> synth
>> module series.  Then get costs of hardware down due to common  
>> platform and
>> higher volumes.  Could be very cool.
>>
>> Lastly, could someone point me to a site for audio/synth-related  
>> code for
>> the Symphony platform?  I know a lot of products have been  
>> developed with
>> this but where's the code support?
>>
>> Barry
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> [mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of
>> neil.johnson97 at ntlworld.com
>> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:23 AM
>> To: mikko.helin at jippii.fi; synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> Subject: Re: re: [sdiy] Freescale Soundbuite
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>>
> http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp? 
> code=SYMP_SOUNDBIT
>> E
>>
>> mikko.helin at jippii.fi wrote:
>>> So how good is the price?
>>
>> According to the Freescale site the recommended price is $150.
>>
>> Neil
>>
>> --
>> http://www.njohnson.co.uk
>>
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